Outdoor Leadership Development Series

A leadership development program for improving competence in the backcountry and leadership in all walks of life

Who: This series is open to all University of Wyoming undergraduate and graduate students who share a passion for the outdoors. Enrollment is limited to 8 participants, with selection based on an application and interview process.

What: Both indoor and backcountry sessions will be used to provide a foundation for leading others in a wilderness environment. Each component of the series will focus on one or more of the following: improving outdoor technical skills, applying leadership methods and group management skills, and obtaining wilderness medicine training.

Participants will learn to apply outdoor leadership skills both in the classroom and field settings, participate in various types of outdoor activities, both shadow and assist on Outdoor Program activities, and have a chance to hear from guest speakers. OLDS students will obtain a number of certifications upon program completion including: OLDS Graduate, Wilderness First Responder, or Wilderness First Aid.

When: The year-long series runs from October through May. Please see the embedded program below. Bi-weekly meeting days and times are not finalized and will be dependent on selected candidates' schedules/availability.

Application Process: The OLDS application will open online on August 18, 2025. The application period will close on September 28, 2025. 

After Course Completion: Successful completion of the entire OLDS course and demonstration of satisfactory leadership skills, as determined by the course instructor, will guarantee you employment opportunity as an OP Trip Leader if you choose to work with Campus Recreation Outdoor Program.

Apply Here

Program Requirements

Successful participants will:

  • Participate in several multi-day OLDS programs, including a basic mountain biking skills and camping weekend in October, and a backcountry ski cabin trip in January.

  • In the fall, you will participate in bi-weekly OLDS classes with additional optional classes to learn more technical skills.

  • Complete a Wilderness First Responder course (80+ hours) in January hosted by the Outdoor Program or a Wilderness First Aid course in May. This course is the only required fee of participating in OLDS. The Wilderness First Responder option is encouraged. 

  • You will "shadow" an Outdoor Program activity prior to spring break in the spring semester, and then "assist" in an Outdoor Program activity after spring break, and continue participation in bi-weekly meetings.

  • Plan and execute a five day long backpacking trip over Spring Break in Utah as if you were leading the trip professionally. Each OLDS participant will be the Leader-Of-the-Day (LOD) during this trip, giving you immediate, real judgement and decision opportunities.

  • Commit to all program components, no exceptions.

Frequently asked questions

A student kayaks at Curt Gowdy state park

Key traits in an ideal OLDS candidate include a serious commitment to the program, a strong interest in the outdoors, a desire to improve themselves and their skills, a supportive and inclusive attitude, and a sense of adventure. We are looking for a diverse set of students who have the desire and capacity to become great leaders. 

Things that are not very important, include: technical outdoor skills, extensive leadership experience, or impressive outdoor accomplishments. We encourage everyone to apply, regardless of outdoor experience. 

OLDS is intended to train you into an effective fledgling outdoor leader and educator. We teach transferable leadership skills such as group development, managing risk, and communication as well as outdoor-focused technical skills such as winter travel, backpacking, minimum impact camping skills, and wilderness-based medical training. 

This program will prepare you to begin a career leading and guiding professionally; If you decide not to continue in the outdoors, you will retain leadership skills that will benefit you in any job or academic environment you pursue as well as in personal recreation endeavors. A committed OLDS participant will make an ideal candidate for the Outdoor Program Field Staff position following completion of the program.

Commitment is vital to the success of this program. In addition to a willingness to be a valuable group member, you will need to commit to ALL of the requirements of the program listed above.

Yes, the Haub School provides 3 academic credit hours for completing the OLDS program. More details are provided once accepted into the program.

“What made my experience in OLDS exceptional was all the hands-on learning that extended beyond the classroom. From camping in Colorado’s mountains to skiing the Snowy Range to backpacking Utah’s canyons, we practiced our new skills in environments that challenged and inspired us. These trips allowed us to measure our growth as leaders and celebrate our development, each other, and the program.  By the end of OLDS, we not only gained valuable skills but also memorable and meaningful experiences that will always be a highlight of my time at UW!” - Faith B. 

"The OLDS program was a wonderful way to make new friends and connect with people in an outdoor space. I learned so many new technical skills as well as got to improve on and build off some older ones. I also learned a lot about my own leadership style and that I wanted to get involved with the Outdoor Program as a trip leader. For anyone who is looking to build their leadership skills, technical training or even just get outside and make some new friends, I would highly recommend the OLDS program." - Skylar M.